We are looking forward to this moment every year. Even bets are made on the exact date. This time it was on Saturday, October 13th. The first real rainfall ushered in the beginning of the rainy season in Madikwe Game Reserve.

For the park, which even in the rainy season usually does not get much water, the arrival of the first rain after months of drought is a relief. Almost as expected, the arrival was a real bang. "We got 34 milliliter within a short time," says Lisa, Rhulani's receptionist. "In addition to thunder and thunderstorms even some hailstones fell," says Ranger Alasdair.

Our guests can be reassured. The daily game drives were carried out as planned, and the newly renovated thatched roofs withstood the test.